Religion

HILLSVILLE — Churches in Carroll County united last week to speak out against racism and the rise of white supremacist groups, in the wake of a rally in Charlottesville that broke into violence, leaving one woman dead.

Hillsville Christian Church hosted a “Prayer Vigil for Peace and Justice” on Aug. 17, led by the Rev. Amanda Hatfield Moore.

HILLSVILLE — After a violent confrontation between white supremacists and protestors resulted in one death and numerous injuries last weekend, a local church is planning a “Vigil for Peace and Justice” on Thursday night.

The annual multi-church celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day was held at McMillian Ministries on Sunday, with music and talks on the theme, “I have decided to stick with love, hate is too great a burden to bear,” as said by King himself.

McMillian Ministries’ Pastor Sue Greene presided over the service with her characteristic verve and openheartedness.

INDEPENDENCE ― Grayson County Churches are banding together again this month to prepare and deliver Thanksgiving dinners to more than 1,200 people.

This annual event began 10 years ago, and has expanded from its initial preparation and delivery to about 200 families in the area. Through the years, it has grown to feeding about 10 percent of the Grayson County population, according to a news release.

Daniel Harrison, pastor of Hearts United Church in Galax, wants people to know that the storefront worship center is open.

Way open.

The church is an offshoot of the Hearts United movement, wherein Hispanic, black and white churches came together this summer to push racial hatred and dissent aside in favor of praise and a healing dose of Christ’s love. Hearts United Church goes even further, as the homemade paper banner hanging its window states: “All welcome here: Immigrants, Muslims, LGBT, People of Color.”

Ten local pastors and a police chief spoke at the Galax Hearts United prayer vigil, held Sunday evening at the Galax Police Department’s courtyard and attended by about 250 people.

It began in a punishing blaze of sun and heat but cool shade and fresh breezes moved over the assembly as the evening continued; and ended with a song – “Amazing Grace” – that required no hymnal to be sung.

What started as a prayer vigil to bring together law enforcement and the black community in a show of unity during a turbulent time has grown into a movement.

Encouraged by the turnout and the positive reaction to the Peace Prayer Vigil in Hillsville on July 10, Pastor Daniel Harrison of Elk Spur Church in Fancy Gap has launched Hearts United. The group is planning a similar unity vigil on Sunday in Galax.